Winter News

December 2025

Letter from the Director

Dear Sedgwick Community,

Changes in our circadian rhythms can trigger the impulse to curl up under a blanket and take a long winter snooze. Although humans don’t hibernate, I feel a kinship with species that do. In the winter I also seek fatty high calorie foods, namely Christmas cookies. Some may call this anthropomorphization or rationalization. I call it an in-depth nature study! Enjoy a cookie and a nap in admiration of the majestic black bear!

As the year comes to a close, please consider donating to Sedgwick Reserve to support conservation, scientific literacy, and wildlands.

In Gratitude,

Heather

Dr. Heather Constable

Reserve Director

Image 1: Black bear momma and cub in the protected lands of Sedgwick Reserve. Courtesy of Angela Giordani

Sedgwick Reserve's Year-in-Review

By Nikki Evans

Image 2: Sedgwick Reserve Docents on a practice hike

Researchers, students, and visitors made good use of Sedgwick Reserve's resources in 2025. Researchers studied bats, butterflies, lizards, soil, climate, prescribed fire, and more, each project contributing to global scientific understandings. Students conducted research, presented findings, camped, and explored the trails. Sedgwick had a busy year of public programs from hikes under the full moon to square dancing at the barn and story time in Coyote Grove.

As part of the University of California Natural Reserve System, Sedgwick Reserve's mission is to contribute to the understanding and wise stewardship of the Earth and its natural systems by supporting university-level teaching, research, and public service. Each year we support thousands of visitors across research, education, and public programs.

Read Sedgwick Reserve's Year-in-Review

La Kretz Research Center at Sedgwick Reserve's Year-in-Review

By Kristen Zumdahl

Image 3: Dr. Frank Davis leading a fire followers tour

Thanks to the generosity of Linda Duttenhaver and Morton La Kretz, the La Kretz Research Center at Sedgwick Reserve was founded in 2017 to identify, investigate, and help solve pressing environmental problems that impact California’s diverse habitats and species. We do this in partnership with reserve staff, university faculty and students, and collaborating organizations. The past year was especially busy and impactful for the LKC. We supported research in prescribed fire and oak biology in addition to outreach and fostering a broader research community. Click below to read a few highlights.

Read La Kretz Research Center's Year-in-Review

Finding Beauty in the Coyote Brush

By Nikki Evans

Image 4: California Towhee in the coyote brush. Photo by Nikki Evans

Anyone who comes to Sedgwick via the main entrance passes a large thicket of coyote brush (Baccharis pilularis) at the base of Lisque Valley. The coyote brush is understated, with small late-blooming flowers and simple leaves, but this species is a wellspring of life. Attracting birds, insects, and mammals alike, a day at the coyote brush is like no other.

Read on to learn more about this incredible plant and the wildlife that inhabit it.

Read Beauty in the Brush

Sedgwick Reserve depends on the support of our donors to fund our docent program, support researchers, and offer community-focused public events. Your gift ensures our ability to continue supporting world-class research and education with global impact. Click here to support Sedgwick today!

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